In his first public address since attempting to declare a state of emergency, South Korean President Yun Suk-yeol said he took the decision "out of desperation" and apologized to the nation. He also said that he leaves the decision on his mandate to the People's Power Party, to which he belongs, and immediately afterwards its leader Han Dong-hun said that the resignation of the South Korean president is inevitable.

The South Korean president's speech came just hours before a parliamentary vote that could lead to his impeachment.

Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the parliament building in Seoul, anticipating the session to vote on the president's fate, demanding his departure.

I made the decision to declare a state of emergency out of desperation. It made people anxious and uncomfortable. I am very sorry and I apologize to you," Yoon Suk-yeol said, but did not say whether he was ready to resign or mention the upcoming impeachment vote in parliament.

South Korea's president has caused political chaos in the country since he suddenly imposed a state of emergency earlier this week, the country's first in 50 years. After the president's move, thousands of angry people took to the streets of Seoul. The deputies who attended the extraordinary session voted against the president's decision, and later he canceled the state of emergency.